1 Book 1 Valley

by Olga Morrill
Conway Pubic Library

Imagine if folks throughout the Mt. Washington Valley (MWV) read the same book. Then talked about it. And THEN invited the author here and got to meet him. Well, this is one daydream that's coming true. The book is A Stranger in the Kingdom. The author is Howard Frank Mosher. The program is 1 Book 1 Valley. And it's happening now.

Libraries from Ossipee to Jackson (including Fryeburg) are cooperating with Granite State College, White Birch Books, Kennett High School, and MWV and Conway Chambers of Commerce to distribute copies of the book and information about the program. 1 Book 1 Valley is supported by grants from the N.H. Humanities Council, the Pequawket Foundation, the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation, the Believe in Books Foundation and the White Birch Books. Additional funds are being donated by the Friends Groups of the participating libraries.

A Stranger in the Kingdom (Dell, 1990) is set in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont in the 1950's. It is at once a coming-of-age story and a murder mystery, a trial drama and a portrait of a rural New England town familiar to many Valley residents. The combination of suspense and humor appeals to teens as well as adults. Discussion material ranges from baseball to ethics.

Howard Frank Mosher lives in the Northeast Kingdom. He will visit the Valley on Thursday, November 9th and will interact with adults and students through 3 different venues:

1st 12:00 p.m., Red Fox Pub in Jackson, featured guest at the Friends of the Jackson Library's annual luncheon. Buffett costs $20 (send name and the number in your party with check payable to Friends of the Jackson Public Library, PO Box 276, Jackson, N.H. 03846). NOTE: Mosher's presentation after lunch at 1:00 p.m. is free open to the public.

2nd 3:30 p.m., Conway Public Library, Mosher will facilitate a discussion of A Stranger in the Kingdom with students and teachers from Kennett High School and Fryeburg Academy who have read the book. Refreshments will be served. Public welcome, too.

3rd 7:30 p.m., Salyards Hall on Main Street, Conway Village, Mosher's major presentation. "Why the Northeast Kingdom?" is both informative and humorous. Questions and Answers and open discussion over dessert, coffee and punch. Free and open to the public.

For further information about 1 Book 1 Valley, contact your local library.